Lampre-Merida made its seasonal debut in Europe in the GP Costa degli Etruschi. The blue-fuchsia-green team has a traditional feeling with this race, considering the victories of Petacchi in 2010 and the success of Scarponi in 2013.

The team directed by Daniele Righi soon lost one of its best rider, Mattia Cattaneo, who got involved in a crash at the 5km mark. The Italian rider suffered a back contusion and he was transported to the Piombino hospital where the medical checks did not show fractures.

The race was led by 6 attackers whose attempt was neutralized in the final kilometers. Lampre-Merida gave its contribution to the final part of the chase in order to allow Bonifazio to take part in the sprint.

The young blue-fuchsia-green fast rider could not recover the action of Belletti, who began his sprint early and crossed the finish line in first position, preceding Viganò and Bonifazio.

"While I was starting to accelerate, my wheel got in contact with the bike of an opponent, so I slowed and I lost some meters to Belletti, who did a very good sprint," Bonifazio explained. "Despite the fact that I did not win, I thank my mates: we lost Cattaneo after a few kilometers in the race, but we were skilfull in managing our energies during the rest of the course. 

"Mori and Durasek could give an important boost to the chase of the breakaway in the final part of the race and Niemiec and Conti supported me on the climb before the finish, so I could try to be protagonist in the sprint.

"We wanted to win , but in the end I missed a moment. In the last 10 races I have always been there to play my card but I am happy. The podium is still a good result.

"I am happy with my condition. The winter preparation has gone well and the first race in Australia has proven that I amcompetitive against opponents of the highest level. Now I go into a race, Trofeo Laigueglia, that is very important for me since it takes place close to my home and I have so many fans there so I will give my best."

His goal is to line up at Milan-Sanremo.

"It really is a prestigious milestone but for now I have to think about doing well in the next races since after Laigueglia I'll also do the GP Lugano. Then we'll ses," he said.

" We reacted well to the great loss of Cattaneo in the first kilometers which forced us to ride much covered and with even more rationality," Righi said. "The boys did well to support Bonifazio, everyone has fulfilled his task and also Niccolo was able to hold on until the sprint. Belletti did a good sprint and it was a pity for Niccolo who did a good race."